North Island. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
- Park map [PDF] (January 21, 2020)
- Parking and trail locations in Elk Falls Park and on BC Hydro property [PDF] (January 15, 2020)
Getting there
Quinsam Campground at Elk Falls Park is located 3 km north of Campbell River on central Vancouver Island on Hwy 28 toward Gold River. The Elk Falls day-use areas are located 3 km west of the campground off Hwy 28.
Things to do
An extensive 6 km trail system offers a variety of hiking opportunities within Elk Falls Park.
In the day-use area there is a short trail to the magnificent old growth Douglas fir forest. Another system of trails will take you to Elk, Moose and Deer Falls, found along this portion of the Campbell River. Detailed trail maps are located at the day-use areas and in the campground.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
There are swimming holes near the falls at the day-use area of the park.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Freshwater fishing in Quinsam and Campbell River, as well as, saltwater and ocean fishing near the town of Campbell River.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Viewing platforms are located at the day-use area near the falls, as well as along the Canyon View Trail. These sites offers spectacular views of the deep rock canyons and waterfalls.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Cycling is permitted on roadways in the park and mountain bike opportunities exist on the pumphouse trails, which connect to the Snowden demonstration forest trail network. The pumphouse trail network is best accessed from near the water tower uphill of the logging road bridge over the Campbell River.
Trail and stunt construction is prohibited.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Elk Falls Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.
About this park
In the campground, each of the campsite posts identifies a tree, shrub or flower growing adjacent to the post or near the campsite.
Wildlife in Elk Falls Park includes a variety of small mammals and birds. Great blue herons, killdeer, glaucous-winged gulls, crows, chestnut-backed chickadees, golden-crowned kinglets and starlings are the most abundant resident bird species.
Mammals include deer, bears and cougars, as well as shrews, squirrels, voles, raccoons, mink, river otters, muskrat, and beaver. A beaver dam and pond are located west of the campground. Roosevelt elk also utilize portions of the park for winter range. Fish species include steelhead, cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout, three spine stickleback, fresh water sculpin and chinook, chum, coho, pink and sockeye salmon.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| Reservations, changes, and cancellations | Our call centre is open from 7 am to 7 pm Pacific Time. There is a $5 fee for reservations, changes, or cancellations made by phone.
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| Park operator | This park is operated by Quality Recreation Ltd. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
